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Gov. Rick Scott wants to dip into cash reserves to increase state spending but the House thinks that's not a good idea.

As the legislative session begins Tuesday, Tallahassee, its two state universities and Leon County are seeking about $40 million in local projects. But they and the corps of lobbyists and other special interests who followed legislators to town are likely to be somewhat disappointed when lawmakers wrap up their budget on March 9.

Florida does not have money for new spending.

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Rep. Ramon Alexander (D-Tallahassee) mingles during Associated Industries of Florida's (AIF) annual reception held on the eve of session, where hundreds of lobbyists, legislators and members of Tallahassee's political set gathered for cocktails and conversation in the courtyard behind AIF headquarters Monday. (Photo: Hali Tauxe/Democrat)

A projected budget surplus was wiped out by hurricanes Irma and Maria, state economists said after a September revenue forecast. And the storms’ costs keep growing. A new forecast should be ready by mid-session.

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Hundreds of lobbyists, legislators and members of Tallahassee's political set gathered for Associated Industries of Florida's annual reception held on the eve of the opening day of session. (Photo: Hali Tauxe/Democrat)

“The reality is it’s a very tight budget year,” said Jeff Sharkey, a veteran lobbyist who leads Leon County's efforts. “These projects will be measured on their return on investment to the people of Florida. We think they have a very good ROI."

Sharkey and his team from Capitol Alliance Group will work closely with lobbyists for the city of Tallahassee and both Florida A&M University and Florida State University over the next 60 days as their clients’ interests intersect in committee rooms.

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Governor Rick Scott makes his way through a receiving line at Associated Industries of Florida's (AIF) annual reception held on the eve of session, where hundreds of lobbyists, legislators and members of Tallahassee's political set gathered for cocktails and conversation in the courtyard behind AIF headquarters Monday. (Photo: Hali Tauxe/Democrat)

They will navigate a series of bills through the Capitol that could generate tens of millions of dollars in construction, improve water quality and provide job-training and counsel to at-risk teens. The local requests would be a small fraction of the $87 billion spending plan proposed by Gov. Rick Scott.

Despite the money crunch, Sharkey is optimistic that one of the teen programs he’s promoting will get the money.

“The Legislature supported it for two years, but last year the Governor vetoed it,” said Sharkey about the program Leon Works. “It’s a small amount of money that introduces high school kids to high-paying careers in the trade industry.”

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam was among the attendees at AIF's annual party to kick off a legislative session. Putnam, Gov. Rick Scott and Representatives Loranne Ausley and Ramon Alexander were among the thousand who attended the 2018 event.(Photo: James Call)

Here are some of the other local projects looking for money when lawmakers write a state budget.

Tallahassee Boys Choir $76, 000

The request is to fund the position of executive director and operations manager for the program.

Leon Works Expo $100,000

Leon Works provide job training and counsel to high school students. It provides an orientation and introduction to skills needed in the trades industry.

Crooked Road $150,000

The money would be used to remove a septic system and rework the land to reduce floods south of the Ochlocknee River in a neighborhood in west Leon County.

Orchard Pond Greenway $300, 000

Leon County wants money to build recreational trails adjoining the Orchard Pond Parkway, the application said the money would provide alternative forms of transportation.

Veterans Legal Collaborative $400, 000

Fund request is to provide legal services to homeless and at-risk veterans. The program is based at FSU.

Black Archives $400,000

The money would pay administrative and program costs for the museum located at FAMU.

Fred George Sink Wetland restoration $500,000

Leon County wants to reshape land around a northwest wetland to intercept garbage before it flows into the Fred George Wetland and Fred George Sink. The project will restore habitat, wetlands, and will directly benefit the Wakulla Springs spring shed.

Tallahassee Futures Leaders Academy $525,000

The Tallahassee Future Leaders Academy (TFLA) is a summer employment program paid through the City of Tallahassee, FSU, FAMU, and various private organizations around the area.

Lake Henrietta $1.5 million

The money would be used to remove sediment and litter from the lake in an effort to improve the quality of water flowing into to Lake Munson and ultimately to Wakulla Spring

Storm generators $2 million

The City of Tallahassee and Leon County want to buy 12 electrical generators to power emergency shelters during disaster recovery and loss of power. The money would enable the use of libraries and community centers throughout the community to allow citizens without electrical service to cool off and charge mobile devices during recovery.

Fords Arm Restoration $3.3 million

The project would target phosphorus levels in the Lake Jackson Aquatic Preserve. The state money would combine with $2.8 million in local dollars to stabilize channels and drainage enhancements under Timberlane and Meridian roads.

Classroom Technology $10.6 million

The request is for additional improvements to FAMU’s major smart classrooms and distance learning programs.

FAMU/FSU College of Engineering $15.2 million

The money would pay to design a new building at Innovation Park and renovate Buildings A & B.